WIDE OPEN SPACES
Feb 6, 2018
The Calgary Boat and Sportsmen’s Show takes over the BMO Centre, Stampede Park from February 8-12. It is Southern Alberta’s Biggest Boat and Outdoor Show showcasing over 120 exhibitors related to the outdoor lifestyle.
“Southern Albertan’s love the great outdoors and everything it has to offer,” says Marla Kimball, Show Manager – Alberta, “whether your passion is hiking the trails, fishing the streams, hunting big game, cruising the lakes, enjoying the back country on an ATV, or camping under the stars, the 2018 Calgary Boat and Sportsmen’s Show has you covered.”
Open water has a special allure for landlocked Albertans. This year’s Spring Boat Super Sale features watercraft of every description from all the major manufacturers. The selection is extensive so there is no better place to compare makes, models and prices and place your order on the boat you have always wanted.
Fishing continues to be a popular activity and there is no better place to gear up for the season ahead than at The Fishin’ Hole’s Annual Spring Sale. Check out all the new products and secure some of the best deals of the year on everything you want or need. Take the opportunity to chat with manufacturer’s reps to ensure you are getting the gear that is right for you.
Providing show goers with added value has always been a high priority and this year is no different. There are numerous family friendly presentations, exhibits, hands on activities, as well as educational experiences to take in and they are all included in the price of admission.
The West Coast Lumberjack Show is a crowd pleaser. This talented group of lumberjacks will be showcasing some of their amazing skills. The show is a head-to-head competition style format pitting one team against the other in a variety of skill competitions including; axe throwing, log rolling, Jack and Jill cross cutting and much more. Choose your favourite team and cheer them on.
Marina Cole is a talented chainsaw carver. She will take an ordinary downed tree stump and turn it into a spectacular work of art right at the Show. She will demonstrate her talent, and you can watch these masterpieces take shape right before your eyes.
Kids under the age of 12 are in for a treat; they can try their hand at fishing. The Kids Fishing Pond is a catch and release program that gives kids the opportunity to catch a real trout. For many this is an opportunity to give fishing a try, which may foster a life long passion for the sport. All the proceeds from the Fishing Pond benefit the Sarcee and Calgary Fish and Game Associations.
If fly fishing is more your style, then be sure to stop by the Fly Fishing Learning Centre, pick up a few tips and test your skills at the casting pool or learn to tie your own fly.
If you are bringing the kids along rest assured that there will be lots for them to enjoy. For the first time Reptile Parties will be doing presentations that are sure to entertain and educate. They will focus on local endangered species, conservation efforts and enlighten audiences as to why reptiles and amphibians are important to our local environment. This is sure to be fun and captivate audiences of all ages.
The AHEIA Zone always provides some great experiences including hands on discovery of wildlife and habitat, archery, fishing and hunting simulators. AHEIA endeavours to educate and promote the highest standard of sportsman behaviour, promote the ethical and humane treatment of all living things and to improve conservation education and communication.
The Alberta Birds of Prey Centre will be on hand with some of its inhabitants. Their mandate is to rehabilitate injured birds of prey and release them back into the wild. They encourage positive habitat stewardship through increased public awareness. The on site staff are always eager to share stories and provide information to those interested.
The Outdoor Stage is the hub of the Show. Throughout the weekend there will be presentations by Bear Smart as well as some of Western Canada’s most renowned outdoorsmen and women. Taking to the stage will be TJ Schwanky co-host of Outdoor Quest TV, Wes David, host of Fishing the Wild West, fly fisherman and guide Josh Nugent and newcomers to the Show Dianne Hunter, championship archer and host of Canada Hunts: Consuming the Wild TV, and Gary Hanke, former team captain for Team Canada at the World Fly Fishing Championship. Presentations run throughout the weekend and focus on a variety of hunting and fishing related topics, be sure to check our website for presentation times and topics.
If you have always dreamed of taking an outdoor adventure trip to a remote fishing or hunting lodge or exotic location, you won’t want to miss out on the area dedication to destination travel and adventure tourism.
Be sure and enter to win some of the great prizes up for grabs including the Ultimate Homeowner’s Package valued at $1700.00 and the Spring Clean-up Package valued at over $1300.00, all courtesy of Husqvarna. These prize packages have everything you will need to get your yard at home or at the cabin looking great for the warmer months ahead.
Purchase your advance discounted tickets at The Fishin’ Hole, Cycle Works, and AHEIA. Present your WIN card at the door and receive $2.00 off the regular Senior or Adult admission price, or go to our website and follow the link to purchase tickets online.
